An Indiana-based insurance company approved to sell health insurance products in Pennsylvania has been charged with small businesses “unreasonably high premium increases” after increasing rates 12%, according to federal officials.

Keystone Insurers Group, a Northumberland, Pa.-based insurance broker, announced its 11th franchise partner in Tennessee, increasing Keystone’s growth rate to 10% in the state, according to the firm.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) granted a second round of awards totaling $109 million to 28 states and Washington, D.C., to further implement federal health reform.

An independent insurance agency owner with an office in New York is among the new leadership installed to lead the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I).

A Golden Valley, Minn.-based health provider signed an agreement to acquire a technology services company to design health care exchanges that better attract and serve insurance consumers.

Employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) eroded “significantly” in the last decade, although federal health reform is expected to reverse the decline for small employers, two studies say.

Wellpoint, an Indianapolis, Ind.-based national health benefits provider, acquired a senior-focused health care delivery program as it seeks new opportunities in response to the effects of federal health reform.

A federal appeals court in Atlanta, where 26 states will argue against the U.S. Government, is the next stop in the ongoing legal battle over federal health reform.

Eastern Insurance Holdings reported net income of $1.9 million for the three month period ending March 31, according to its latest financial statement.

United Prosperity Life Insurance Co. has signed an definitive agreement to buy Shenandoah Life Insurance Co., a Roanoke, Va.-based insurer that has been in receivership over financial concerns since February 2009.